TEVETA Signs MoUs to Boost Skills Development, STEM Uptake, and Student Industrial Attachments
The Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) has signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with key industry players to strengthen skills development, enhance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) uptake, and provide more work-based learning opportunities for students.
The agreements, signed with the Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE), Agricultural Institute of Zambia (AIZ), and the National STEM Foundation, mark a significant step in aligning TEVET (Technical Education, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training) programs with industry demands.
Officiating at the ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Technology and Science, Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, emphasized that these collaborations are essential in addressing skills gaps and ensuring Zambia’s workforce meets the needs of a rapidly evolving job market.
“Partnerships are a priority in the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP) to meet national aspirations for job and wealth creation in priority sectors. AIZ is a strategic partner to TEVETA in achieving agriculture sector goals, including increasing crop production to 10 million metric tonnes and cattle population to 7 million, with the aim of generating a billion dollars in revenue,” Dr. Habeenzu stated.
The MoU with ZFE is expected to bridge the gap between training institutions and industry, ensuring that skills development programs are demand-driven. The agreement will facilitate apprenticeships, internships, and industrial attachments for students, helping them transition smoothly into the workforce.
“Through this partnership, we will close the skills gap, increase workforce employability, and align training with the evolving needs of industry and business,” Dr. Habeenzu added.
Meanwhile, the National STEM Foundation’s involvement will further enrich TEVETA’s role in technical training. Dr. Habeenzu stressed the importance of integrating STEM into vocational education, particularly as Zambia embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution and artificial intelligence (AI).
“The MoU between TEVETA and the STEM Foundation presents an opportunity to embed STEM-based innovations into vocational training, nurturing a generation of problem-solvers, innovators, and entrepreneurs,” he said.
